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The Best Garlic Bulbs For Planting

Last updated on May 2, 2022

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Used as both food and medicine around the world, people have been enjoying the benefits of garlic since at least the 25th century BC. From soup to salad dressing to bread to casseroles, garlic is used in so many different things. Not only in the kitchen, garlic is an important part of the medicine cabinet, where it offers antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties. Garlic can also reduce the accumulation of cholesterol and help to regulate blood sugar levels. Plus, it is used to prevent colds and respiratory illnesses. It is a member of the onion family and closely related to shallots, leeks and chives.

How does garlic grow? A bulb is planted below the ground, and sends up a tubular and hollow set of leaves, followed by a flower stalk, which is also called a scape. The flower grows from this area, and tiny bulbs can also begin to sprout on the flower head. Unlike some vegetables, every part of the garlic plant can be eaten. However, it is the bulb which is most commonly used in the kitchen. The bulb consists of several cloves, which are each wrapped in a husk that has a papery feel. If you actually plant a single clove at the right time, in early spring or fall, it will grow into a small bulb

You may be limited to the types of garlic you can grow depending on your climate. If you live in a mild climate which doesn’t get too cold, then softneck garlic is ideal for your garden. If you live in a place with severe winters, then you will want to go with a hardneck garlic variety.

Our Picks For The Top Garlic Bulbs For Planting

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Country Creek Acres California Softneck Garlic Bulbs For Planting, 7-Piece

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Country Creek Acres

California Softneck Garlic Bulbs For Planting, 7-Piece

This heirloom variety of garlic has a delicious, healthy taste. It produces plenty of bulbs from each plant. It is easy to grow and harvest from the bulb.

Overall Take

Heirloom VarietyNot only does this garlic tastes delicious, but it is also a healthy and flavorful cooking ingredient.

 Runner Up

Kejora Certified Organic Garlic Bulbs For Planting, 5-Piece

Kejora

Certified Organic Garlic Bulbs For Planting, 5-Piece

If you’re looking for a certified organic option, these garlic bulbs are a good choice. Depending on seasonality and availability, they are sourced from either Spain or Mexico. This package includes five bulbs.

Overall Take

Organic OptionThese garlic bulbs are hardy and incredibly useful.

 We Also Like

Country Creek Acres Siberian Hardneck Garlic Bulbs For Planting, 6-Piece

Country Creek Acres

Siberian Hardneck Garlic Bulbs For Planting, 6-Piece

This type of garlic bulb is ideal for those that live in colder climates. The bulbs have purple stripes and grow strong plants. They taste creamy with a lot of heat.

Overall Take

For Cold WeatherThis type of garlic thrives in harsher weather so it may be a great fit for your garden.

 Strong Contender

Snow Hill Organic Himalayan Garlic Bulbs For Planting, 10-Piece

Snow Hill

Organic Himalayan Garlic Bulbs For Planting, 10-Piece

This garlic is a popular choice and commonly grown in the United States. It has a mild flavor and is easy to grow. The garlic stores well for long periods of time.

Overall Take

Popular ChoiceThis type of garlic is the most commonly grown in the U.S., so you know you're making a good choice with this one.

What to Look For

  • Many people like to limit their garlic consumption because it is known to cause bad breath. However, the odor of garlic was actually thought to ward off against demons, vampires and werewolves in ancient European folklore. As a result, people used to hang bulbs of garlic around the house and rub the cloves along their chimneys, keyholes and windows.
  • The best time to grow garlic is to plant the cloves between September to November. You can also plant them at the beginning of March if you want a fall harvest.
  • If planting cloves, don’t skin them. keep the skin on when placing them into the ground, about four to six inches apart and about one to two inches deep. If you get a lot of rain, you may want to plant the garlic a little bit deeper. If you have heavy soil, then you don’t need to plant too deep.
  • The best type of soil of growing garlic is rich and well draining. Add compost to add nutrients into the soil. Be sure not to compact it by stepping on it. It’s important for the soil to be loosely packed.
  • When garlic begins to sprout in the spring time, ensure you water and weed frequently. You can cut the flower stalks when they spout to save the blub energy.
  • Sometimes, the clove you plant won’t grow into a full bulb and form individual cloves. In this case, you can actually replant it again next year to see if it will blub. (You can also eat it!)
  • How do you know when it’s time to harvest? When the tops of the garlic are starting to dry is the best time. Some people actually wait till most of the plant has fully dried up before harvesting it.

More to Explore

Not sure how to use up all of the garlic you’ve grown? There are so many recipes where garlic can truly shine. If you’re a fan of fried rice, then try adding both garlic oil and chopped fried garlic to the meal. It will turn a regular plate of rice into an earthy, pungent, delicious dinner. Garlic confit is a good option if you’re a fan of garlic bread or garlic mashed potatoes. Simply mix garlic and oil and bake on low heat for over an hour till the garlic is soft and jammy. It becomes a spreadable goo you can add to anything you like. If you’re feeling under the weather, garlic broth can cure what ails you. Drink it like chicken soup while curled up under a cozy blanket.

More to explore